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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc
Annie turns 100
Over 70 family and friends gathered at the Peninsula Village Retirement Village, Arras Ave, Umina, on Thursday, June 20, to celebrate Annie Leggett's 100th birthday.
The staff, with balloons and ribbons decorated the recreation room.
On a special table, pride of place went to the message from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
A birthday cake flanked it, along with a display of 100 carnations in an arrangement, together with floral tributes from her family and friends.
Anne, as she was known, had been a florist for most of her life and only withdrew from active work with her beloved flowers, about two years ago.
She was born in Mortlake in Sydney in 1902, and with her twin brother, Edward, was the last of seven children of Samuel and Jessie Lee.
Her father was a nurseryman and florist and she was his constant companion from childhood.
Samuel was a member of Concord Municipal Council and served as mayor for two terms in 1923-1924.
During this period, she acted as the Lady Mayoress as her mother was too shy to accompany Samuel to official engagements.
She married Ernest Henry Leggett in 1927 in Concord.
Their two sons Donald and Eric were small children when the Great Depression occurred.
It was not until the second World War was commencing, that Anne and Ern were able to build next to her parents in Concord.
She was still undertaking floral work and "her brides", as they are collectively known, were dominant in the congratulatory messages that poured in for her birthday.
Anne lost Ern in 1967, but stayed on in the home of Concord until 1994 when she decided at the age of 92, that she would like to be closer to her sons.
She has been a resident of the hostel section of the Peninsula Village since that time.
At the birthday party, a buffet luncheon was prepared and served by the staff.
Anne's eldest son Don, who acted as master of ceremonies, called on Terri Parker, the general manager of the Peninsula Homes to speak on behalf of the residents and staff of the village.
Terri said that Anne was the first resident of the hostel section to attain 100 years.
All other achievers had been nursing home patients.
Anne's younger son, Eric, then shared the family memories of some aspects of his mother's long life and her love and guidance to them, before the toast was proposed and honoured.
Anne took this opportunity to thank all for their presence and assistance and talked of some of her life and times before cutting the cake and having photographs taken.
Among the many cards and messages from family and friends there were also congratulatory wishes from the Governor General of Australia, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, the Member for Robertson, the NSW State Governor, the NSW Premier, the Leaders of the Opposition in the NSW Upper and Lower Houses and the Member for Peats.
Donald and Eric Leggett, June 24